Watch CBS News

Beach Erosion Suspends All Metrolink, Amtrak Service Between OC, San Diego

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Metrolink and Amtrak have been forced to suspend service between Orange and San Diego counties for several weeks in order to conduct emergency repairs caused by beach erosion.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train travels past the the San Clemente pier at sunset.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train travels past the the San Clemente pier at sunset. May 22, 2012. (Photo by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The two railroad companies announced Wednesday night that service was being immediately suspended in order to conduct emergency repairs on the track in San Clemente.

Both hope to reopen the stretch of track by Oct. 4.

According to the Orange County Register, crews are repairing an unstable cliff that has caused the tracks to shift.

"Between the sea, the sand and the earth, there has been some movement of the railroad tracks, we will be working to make sure they are safe for all rail traffic going through the corridor," Metrolink spokesperson Paul Gonzales told the Register.

Metrolink service is being suspended to the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside stations. Service will operate only as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station. There will be no alternate bus service to San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside.

Amtrak confirmed its Pacific Surfliner service will not be operating between the Irvine and Oceanside stations. However, it will be providing bus service between those two stations.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.